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Sinners of New Orleans #1
Alliance
a mafia arranged marriage / forbidden romance
222 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2021
298 people are currently reading
2534 people want to read
About the author
Natalia Lourose
20 books554 followersNatalia Lourose writes angsty romance about broken people figuring out life and finding love along the way. Television and far too much smut as a teenager left her obsessed with dark-haired bad boys who are moody and wear leather jackets. Tucked away in her writing nook with a dog at her feet, two cats on her keyboard, and husband yelling at the computer – she is always writing something, or trying to.
She loves interacting with fans and fellow book lovers on social media!
She loves interacting with fans and fellow book lovers on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 30, 2021
3. 75 or 4 stars ⭐️
”Within the four walls of his apartment we shed our identities, no longer the princess and the dealer. Just Lana and Naz.”
This was my second novel by Natalia Lourose and i might just say that her writing has evolved so so much!! I live for growth and I loved her writing in this one!! I loved the mafia world she created and how she executed everything!!
”Lana could be the fucking sun, and I would just revolve around her like a planet, lost in her trajectory, forever focused on her.”
Lana Romano is such a strong soul. She lost her sister to suicide and I can’t imagine her loss and what she must have gone through. I’m gonna be honest that she did have her moments where i was so done with her but ughh i felt for her so bad😩 Growing up with parents who don’t give a single fuck about you and just want to marry you off, I can’t appreciate her values enough. She stands up for what she believes in, she isn’t scared to speak her mind even if they end up hurting her for which I admire her a lot.
”I live for these moments. These stolen kisses and seconds of passion. His fire matches mine, the flames dancing along my flesh, captivating me in the best possible way.”
Ignazio Vaccola or Naz was such a surprise!! I loved him so so much!! I loved the way he cared and I loved the way he loved. I liked how he was always there for Lana when she needed him and how he didn’t let anything come in between them.
”He’s the only bit of light I have. But our moments are stolen. Pockets of time we’re not allowed to have. It feels forbidden, that if anyone caught us, we’d be dragged apart kicking and screaming.”
I would just recommend y’all to read the trigger warnings first cause this book deals with themes of abuse,suicide and suicidal ideation.
** I was provided an arc in exchange for honest review**
”Within the four walls of his apartment we shed our identities, no longer the princess and the dealer. Just Lana and Naz.”
This was my second novel by Natalia Lourose and i might just say that her writing has evolved so so much!! I live for growth and I loved her writing in this one!! I loved the mafia world she created and how she executed everything!!
”Lana could be the fucking sun, and I would just revolve around her like a planet, lost in her trajectory, forever focused on her.”
Lana Romano is such a strong soul. She lost her sister to suicide and I can’t imagine her loss and what she must have gone through. I’m gonna be honest that she did have her moments where i was so done with her but ughh i felt for her so bad😩 Growing up with parents who don’t give a single fuck about you and just want to marry you off, I can’t appreciate her values enough. She stands up for what she believes in, she isn’t scared to speak her mind even if they end up hurting her for which I admire her a lot.
”I live for these moments. These stolen kisses and seconds of passion. His fire matches mine, the flames dancing along my flesh, captivating me in the best possible way.”
Ignazio Vaccola or Naz was such a surprise!! I loved him so so much!! I loved the way he cared and I loved the way he loved. I liked how he was always there for Lana when she needed him and how he didn’t let anything come in between them.
”He’s the only bit of light I have. But our moments are stolen. Pockets of time we’re not allowed to have. It feels forbidden, that if anyone caught us, we’d be dragged apart kicking and screaming.”
I would just recommend y’all to read the trigger warnings first cause this book deals with themes of abuse,suicide and suicidal ideation.
** I was provided an arc in exchange for honest review**
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August 26, 2021dnf at 45%.
September 2, 2021
2.5 stars
Spoilery review:
Alright, this will be a rant so let's keep it nice and in order. First of all, I went into this book expecting a steamy mafia romance, wanting a quick read that I'll finish in a day. While it was a quick read, and it certainly included the mafia, the romance part I found a bit lacking, so let's take that apart shall we?
Characters/ romance - Maybe it was because the book was so short, but I was not sold on the romance at all. The characters were okay, not too fleshed out, but I'm willing to overlook that. I'm not willing to overlook the lack of chemistry though. I'm sorry but I feel like it would've made much more sense if Naz and Lana had known each other before. Maybe met briefly, exchanging flirtatious glances or something. But they'd only met three times before they slept with each other. Not like I have a problem with that, but I didn't feel any desire from Lana. When I read about characters sleeping together, I want to feel the attraction. At least the physical one considering they barely met or spoke before. But when it comes to Lana she only describes him as a "bad boy type with tattoos" (not a direct quote but a paraphrase). I didn't feel any desire from her towards him, yet she "was soaked" for him immediately somehow. I'll circle back to that later though. Throughout the book they'd barely met up, especially in the first half we only saw them interact twice in the first 15% of the story and then loooong time nothing. If it's a romance novel I'd prefer for their romance to be much more center stage. I swear we'd spent more time on her fiancé, who was deplorable, rather than on the actual love interest. Yet of course they were in love. They couldn't stop thinking about each other. I'm not quite convinced. It would've been better if they'd at least known each other first. It wouldn't salvage it completely but would make it make more sense at least.
Writing - the writing was alright, though I could've done without the many clothing descriptions. Another thing I could've done without was the overuse of the words "skating" (referring to fingers skating over skin) and "find" (especially during the steamy scenes where body parts kept finding other body parts). Oh and please can we not use the sentence "I love how you're already soaked for me" before pretty much every sex scene? Please. Especially when they were having a regular conversation, changed their mind and decided they wanted to suddenly get hot and heavy and magically both of them were absolutely aroused and ready to go. I wanted to see some flirting, some tension, but there was none because they had no chemistry what so ever.
Plot - I felt like there were some bits that could've been either cut, considering this was a short book, and replaced with some scenes of the MCs interacting instead, or kept in the book, in which case the book should've been longer so it could've all been more elaborated on. Also the entire issue in the book was apparently dragged out way too long unnecessarily, since the solution to their problems in the end was ridiculously simple and could've been done from the start, or if not from the start, then much earlier on at least.
Overall - some parts were interesting and enjoyable, and it's a very quick read, but the characters lacked chemistry and depth and I just can't look past that.
Spoilery review:
Alright, this will be a rant so let's keep it nice and in order. First of all, I went into this book expecting a steamy mafia romance, wanting a quick read that I'll finish in a day. While it was a quick read, and it certainly included the mafia, the romance part I found a bit lacking, so let's take that apart shall we?
Characters/ romance - Maybe it was because the book was so short, but I was not sold on the romance at all. The characters were okay, not too fleshed out, but I'm willing to overlook that. I'm not willing to overlook the lack of chemistry though. I'm sorry but I feel like it would've made much more sense if Naz and Lana had known each other before. Maybe met briefly, exchanging flirtatious glances or something. But they'd only met three times before they slept with each other. Not like I have a problem with that, but I didn't feel any desire from Lana. When I read about characters sleeping together, I want to feel the attraction. At least the physical one considering they barely met or spoke before. But when it comes to Lana she only describes him as a "bad boy type with tattoos" (not a direct quote but a paraphrase). I didn't feel any desire from her towards him, yet she "was soaked" for him immediately somehow. I'll circle back to that later though. Throughout the book they'd barely met up, especially in the first half we only saw them interact twice in the first 15% of the story and then loooong time nothing. If it's a romance novel I'd prefer for their romance to be much more center stage. I swear we'd spent more time on her fiancé, who was deplorable, rather than on the actual love interest. Yet of course they were in love. They couldn't stop thinking about each other. I'm not quite convinced. It would've been better if they'd at least known each other first. It wouldn't salvage it completely but would make it make more sense at least.
Writing - the writing was alright, though I could've done without the many clothing descriptions. Another thing I could've done without was the overuse of the words "skating" (referring to fingers skating over skin) and "find" (especially during the steamy scenes where body parts kept finding other body parts). Oh and please can we not use the sentence "I love how you're already soaked for me" before pretty much every sex scene? Please. Especially when they were having a regular conversation, changed their mind and decided they wanted to suddenly get hot and heavy and magically both of them were absolutely aroused and ready to go. I wanted to see some flirting, some tension, but there was none because they had no chemistry what so ever.
Plot - I felt like there were some bits that could've been either cut, considering this was a short book, and replaced with some scenes of the MCs interacting instead, or kept in the book, in which case the book should've been longer so it could've all been more elaborated on. Also the entire issue in the book was apparently dragged out way too long unnecessarily, since the solution to their problems in the end was ridiculously simple and could've been done from the start, or if not from the start, then much earlier on at least.
Overall - some parts were interesting and enjoyable, and it's a very quick read, but the characters lacked chemistry and depth and I just can't look past that.
July 7, 2021
Update 7/7/2021: I am sorry but this was SUCH a boring book that I'm downgrading it to 1 star. It feels unfair to other books I've rated 2 stars not to do so.
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I had never heard of the genre "mafia romance" before reading Alliance and picked this up on a whim after seeing one of the author's reels on instagram. Unfortunately, I don't think that this genre is for me. This book was fairly simple, with lots of insta-lust and easily solved problems. I skimmed a good deal of it.
Two stars - it was okay.
_________________________________________
I had never heard of the genre "mafia romance" before reading Alliance and picked this up on a whim after seeing one of the author's reels on instagram. Unfortunately, I don't think that this genre is for me. This book was fairly simple, with lots of insta-lust and easily solved problems. I skimmed a good deal of it.
Two stars - it was okay.
August 16, 2021
4 stars (-1 for the rushed ending)
Okay, wow! I've been looking for a mafia-ish story for a while and none of them were really what I was looking for. This hit the spot though, wow. A little dark - mental health dark, fyi - but so good! I've always read about the H being a capo/higher up, so this story about a nobody (I'm trying to avoid spoilers) was refreshing. Hated how the ending came so quick, and there's a little bit of a cliffy but nothing crazy. Super duper obnoxiously excited for the rest of the series.
Okay, wow! I've been looking for a mafia-ish story for a while and none of them were really what I was looking for. This hit the spot though, wow. A little dark - mental health dark, fyi - but so good! I've always read about the H being a capo/higher up, so this story about a nobody (I'm trying to avoid spoilers) was refreshing. Hated how the ending came so quick, and there's a little bit of a cliffy but nothing crazy. Super duper obnoxiously excited for the rest of the series.
June 22, 2021
4 Stars - Contemporary Romance
Oh I love a forbidden romance! I will say this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I enjoyed Lana and Naz’s story.
I also love a romance set in New Orleans! I liked that Naz was an enforcer and Lana was to be married off to someone else. It gave this thrilling part of the story that I wasn’t expecting.
Oh I love a forbidden romance! I will say this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I enjoyed Lana and Naz’s story.
I also love a romance set in New Orleans! I liked that Naz was an enforcer and Lana was to be married off to someone else. It gave this thrilling part of the story that I wasn’t expecting.
May 4, 2021
The love that I have for this couple! I don't have all the words for it. Just like their names, Ignazio "Naz" and Lana bring fire and light to their story.
In a ruthless Mafia world of scheming, business deals, money and power, alliances must be made. The young women are bargaining chips and collateral damage in this merciless world. This is a tale of forbidden love - nothing taboo, but star-crossed. Lana is a Mafia princess and Naz is the soldier who couldn't have her. Despite being a princess, Lana was not spoiled or pampered. But she was groomed to be the "perfect" demure daughter and ultimately the perfect wife in a marriage to a man who would secure a powerful alliance for her family.
Naz is a soldier who came from a poor background and he saw the mob as an opportunity to provide a better life for his family. They are both tender-hearted, and feel morally obligated to fulfill roles they think they are expected to fill.
Even before Naz recognized his feelings for Lana his devotion to her is absolute, but his hands are tied. And Lana tries to put some fight into her situation, but ultimately she is powerless. Naz proved very quickly what he was willing to do and give up for Lana and it goes deep!
This pulled at my heartstrings and I just love the risks and lengths that they are willing to go to be together. Their relationship and feelings progress fast, it is definitely instalust and instalove, but I ate it up. The pureness of their emotions and commitment to each other is touching. From the start this couple had me in their clutches, rooting hard for them.
I really liked how this first book concluded. It doesn't leave us hanging on an abrupt cliffhanger, but more of a stay tuned. I am looking forward to picking up from where we left off.
TW: suicide, abuse
I received an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In a ruthless Mafia world of scheming, business deals, money and power, alliances must be made. The young women are bargaining chips and collateral damage in this merciless world. This is a tale of forbidden love - nothing taboo, but star-crossed. Lana is a Mafia princess and Naz is the soldier who couldn't have her. Despite being a princess, Lana was not spoiled or pampered. But she was groomed to be the "perfect" demure daughter and ultimately the perfect wife in a marriage to a man who would secure a powerful alliance for her family.
Naz is a soldier who came from a poor background and he saw the mob as an opportunity to provide a better life for his family. They are both tender-hearted, and feel morally obligated to fulfill roles they think they are expected to fill.
Even before Naz recognized his feelings for Lana his devotion to her is absolute, but his hands are tied. And Lana tries to put some fight into her situation, but ultimately she is powerless. Naz proved very quickly what he was willing to do and give up for Lana and it goes deep!
This pulled at my heartstrings and I just love the risks and lengths that they are willing to go to be together. Their relationship and feelings progress fast, it is definitely instalust and instalove, but I ate it up. The pureness of their emotions and commitment to each other is touching. From the start this couple had me in their clutches, rooting hard for them.
I really liked how this first book concluded. It doesn't leave us hanging on an abrupt cliffhanger, but more of a stay tuned. I am looking forward to picking up from where we left off.
TW: suicide, abuse
I received an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2021
This book took me into a whirlwind of emotions. The way I felt this story in my heart, body and freaking soul is just astonishing. I knew going into this that it would hurt but how much it ended up hurting came at me in the form of a storm. The way Natalia Lourouse portrays grief and the forbidden love is just incredible.
I was completely captivated by the characters who have been through so much. Lana is so damn strong after everything she had to endure and she deserves everything the world could give. Naz knows what it feels like having close to nothing, he has a tough past but has come back stronger than ever. The way Naz cares for Lana is amazing and the moments where he feels so powerless to help her absolutely broke my heart. They are both so precious and I can't even begin to tell you how much.
The chemistry between Naz and Lana is through the roof and beyond! Their love is heart pounding, earth shattering, epic and utterly beautiful. I felt their connection from the moment their eyes meet and knew they were made for each other. He is the fire to her light, literally. Naz is Lana's salvation; he gave her life meaning again and the strength to hold on and keep fighting for what she deserves. Ah, they own my entire heart!
Not only is this so beautiful and heart wrenching, but it's also intense in moments. Not to get into too much detail because I truly believe it's better to go into this not knowing too much, but have to mention Davis, the man Lana is supposed to marry for the alliance. I've never hated anyone as much as I hate him. He can just choke and die a painful death, please and thank you! My heart was pounding faster every moment he appears because you can never know how far he will go, I was definitely on the edge of my seat!
Alliance is a breathtaking extraordinary story that I now hold close to my heart!
"Lana has this kind of pull that I can't explain. It grasps me when she's sad, tugging me toward her. But damn, when she smiles, my heart throbs, aching inside my chest cavity."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
I was completely captivated by the characters who have been through so much. Lana is so damn strong after everything she had to endure and she deserves everything the world could give. Naz knows what it feels like having close to nothing, he has a tough past but has come back stronger than ever. The way Naz cares for Lana is amazing and the moments where he feels so powerless to help her absolutely broke my heart. They are both so precious and I can't even begin to tell you how much.
The chemistry between Naz and Lana is through the roof and beyond! Their love is heart pounding, earth shattering, epic and utterly beautiful. I felt their connection from the moment their eyes meet and knew they were made for each other. He is the fire to her light, literally. Naz is Lana's salvation; he gave her life meaning again and the strength to hold on and keep fighting for what she deserves. Ah, they own my entire heart!
Not only is this so beautiful and heart wrenching, but it's also intense in moments. Not to get into too much detail because I truly believe it's better to go into this not knowing too much, but have to mention Davis, the man Lana is supposed to marry for the alliance. I've never hated anyone as much as I hate him. He can just choke and die a painful death, please and thank you! My heart was pounding faster every moment he appears because you can never know how far he will go, I was definitely on the edge of my seat!
Alliance is a breathtaking extraordinary story that I now hold close to my heart!
"Lana has this kind of pull that I can't explain. It grasps me when she's sad, tugging me toward her. But damn, when she smiles, my heart throbs, aching inside my chest cavity."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
August 26, 2021
Eh. Meh. Wasn't all that great but it wasn't all that bad.
July 20, 2022
boring af and way too fast paced to actually understand what is going on
May 16, 2022
Re-read the book just to realise that the story was kinda average. Although the scenes that made the book worth the read were the vulnerable moments that Lana & Naz shared.
March 6, 2022
It was a bit dull but I liked the fact that the main character and love interest wasn’t a powerful mafia boss like all the other mafia books out there he was just a ��soldier’. It gave a nice twist to the story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
Wow The Costello Family is no Addams Family. Yes dark with secrets but so much more dangerous.
My heart broke for Lana cause she lost her sister Lily and the scene was written beautifully then...Straight away I wanted to learn more about Lily? What happened to her? Lana is living my worse fear losing a sister. Then she loses another loved one her grandfather...
Naz and his Saint Jude necklace. I love the story behind the necklace and I think I will get one too. Hopefully will give me some luck with my lost cause. Naz is trying to take care if his family & his adorable nephew Anthony.
Their relationship started of sharing are horrid moment. They are a forbidden romance cause she promised to another who is TWAT. What truely breaks my heart at the beginning is that they have to live by a code of silence cause of the Mafia family. He wants to know her secret and she wants to know his. Ahhh I just wanted them together and I hoped they would over come the mafia world...no spoilers
"Just Lana and Naz" living in their special moment of freedom & love
I really wish I could see that view of New Orleans from Lily's room. The last view she saw...
Welcome to a family war💀
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
My new forbidden love mafia romance to obsess over !! Book 2 here yet?
My heart broke for Lana cause she lost her sister Lily and the scene was written beautifully then...Straight away I wanted to learn more about Lily? What happened to her? Lana is living my worse fear losing a sister. Then she loses another loved one her grandfather...
Naz and his Saint Jude necklace. I love the story behind the necklace and I think I will get one too. Hopefully will give me some luck with my lost cause. Naz is trying to take care if his family & his adorable nephew Anthony.
Their relationship started of sharing are horrid moment. They are a forbidden romance cause she promised to another who is TWAT. What truely breaks my heart at the beginning is that they have to live by a code of silence cause of the Mafia family. He wants to know her secret and she wants to know his. Ahhh I just wanted them together and I hoped they would over come the mafia world...no spoilers
"Just Lana and Naz" living in their special moment of freedom & love
I really wish I could see that view of New Orleans from Lily's room. The last view she saw...
Welcome to a family war💀
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
My new forbidden love mafia romance to obsess over !! Book 2 here yet?
May 2, 2021
4.5 stars!!
“I want to worship her body, create a church dedicated to the angel that’s fucking me. I want to bow down and pray to this beautiful women every day.”
This was my first novel by this Author.
I haven’t read much Mafia romance books, but this is one that I loved! This book was devastating yet beautiful, with the way it was so carefully written.
Naz & Lana are characters that will stick with me. Alliance was straight to the point from the beginning, Pulling me in without hesitation.
Lana grew up with money, but that doesn’t take away that she has been through a lot in her life & has lost the most important people in her life to death. She also struggles heavily with depression. Her family never seems to notice or care for her.
Naz grew up poor, not having much as a child. As he grew older he took it upon himself to help his mom, sister & nephew. He has done bad things, but he will do anything for his family. No matter what the consequences may be.
This was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Heartbreaking yet swoon worthy. Especially when it came to Naz.
Forbidden love always comes with a price, but when it’s for the one, you take the risk.
This book was a HEA, but it’s the first in the series. Ending in a to be continued like vibe. I’ll be keeping my eye out for the next book!!
“I want to worship her body, create a church dedicated to the angel that’s fucking me. I want to bow down and pray to this beautiful women every day.”
This was my first novel by this Author.
I haven’t read much Mafia romance books, but this is one that I loved! This book was devastating yet beautiful, with the way it was so carefully written.
Naz & Lana are characters that will stick with me. Alliance was straight to the point from the beginning, Pulling me in without hesitation.
Lana grew up with money, but that doesn’t take away that she has been through a lot in her life & has lost the most important people in her life to death. She also struggles heavily with depression. Her family never seems to notice or care for her.
Naz grew up poor, not having much as a child. As he grew older he took it upon himself to help his mom, sister & nephew. He has done bad things, but he will do anything for his family. No matter what the consequences may be.
This was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Heartbreaking yet swoon worthy. Especially when it came to Naz.
Forbidden love always comes with a price, but when it’s for the one, you take the risk.
This book was a HEA, but it’s the first in the series. Ending in a to be continued like vibe. I’ll be keeping my eye out for the next book!!
May 5, 2021
Alliance was exactly what I would expect of a mafia romance. It was filled with angst, violence, and heat. It kept me on the edge of my seat, worrying about what would happen next. It was intense! The plot was packed with action.
Lana was so sweet, almost to the point of being a doormat. I was so scared of what would happen when she married her abusive fiancé in an arranged marriage! I kept rooting for her to be strong and fight back.
Naz was strong and tough. I liked him almost instantly; his love for his mother and family was incredibly endearing. I truly feared for his life after he fell for Lana, though.
Alliance comes with several trigger warnings, and they should definitely be heeded. At times I had to set the book down and walk away due to the intensity.
Alliance is book one in the Sinners of New Orleans series. I am anxiously waiting for book two because I’m super worried about Lana and Naz’s future. I hope to see more of Sam, John, and other side characters in the upcoming books.
Lana was so sweet, almost to the point of being a doormat. I was so scared of what would happen when she married her abusive fiancé in an arranged marriage! I kept rooting for her to be strong and fight back.
Naz was strong and tough. I liked him almost instantly; his love for his mother and family was incredibly endearing. I truly feared for his life after he fell for Lana, though.
Alliance comes with several trigger warnings, and they should definitely be heeded. At times I had to set the book down and walk away due to the intensity.
Alliance is book one in the Sinners of New Orleans series. I am anxiously waiting for book two because I’m super worried about Lana and Naz’s future. I hope to see more of Sam, John, and other side characters in the upcoming books.
May 4, 2021
“She never belonged to the groom!"
Natalia and her knack for Mafia never ceases to surprise me. I remember reading her first book, Gio, back in 2020. And ever since then, I have looked forward to her books. Her stories are always quick and eye-catching, with loads of action, but equal amounts of passion!
Alliance (Sinners of New Orleans, book #1) embarks on a new journey, with Naz and Lana, as the center couple. When I was editing this story, I had my fears for a particular trait of Lana, but I soon realized how absurd my fear was. Because that's what makes this story stand out. Lana is unlike any heroine she has ever written. She's weak, broken, fragile, but feisty and dares to fight back. She has her flaws. She has been poisoned already with the horrors of the world, but she still hopes for a ray of sunlight. And that's where she'll be crossing Naz! My guy. My man. The alpha-male, soft and rough, hard yet gentle. I love this duo. Their love story made me ache. Their longing made my heart skip a beat every single time! Alliance is pure perfection and highly recommended for every MAFIA ROMANCE LOVERS OUT THERE.
And, it doesn't just end with this. You'll have more characters, more stories to look out for.
Natalia and her knack for Mafia never ceases to surprise me. I remember reading her first book, Gio, back in 2020. And ever since then, I have looked forward to her books. Her stories are always quick and eye-catching, with loads of action, but equal amounts of passion!
Alliance (Sinners of New Orleans, book #1) embarks on a new journey, with Naz and Lana, as the center couple. When I was editing this story, I had my fears for a particular trait of Lana, but I soon realized how absurd my fear was. Because that's what makes this story stand out. Lana is unlike any heroine she has ever written. She's weak, broken, fragile, but feisty and dares to fight back. She has her flaws. She has been poisoned already with the horrors of the world, but she still hopes for a ray of sunlight. And that's where she'll be crossing Naz! My guy. My man. The alpha-male, soft and rough, hard yet gentle. I love this duo. Their love story made me ache. Their longing made my heart skip a beat every single time! Alliance is pure perfection and highly recommended for every MAFIA ROMANCE LOVERS OUT THERE.
And, it doesn't just end with this. You'll have more characters, more stories to look out for.
July 29, 2022
THANK GOD ITS OVER. I’m not sure how I managed to finish this garbage, but I did. I have to say the beginning had me a little hooked. But as it continued, I just wanted it to be over.
Honestly I don’t know why I decided to pick this book up but it has been the biggest mistake I’ve made this year. AND I GOT CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING I SHOULDN’T HAVE AND AM STILL TRYING TO WIN MY DAD’S TRUST AGAIN.
If you liked this, I’m not gonna judge but like, are you okay?
I hated these character SOOOO much.
I would literally write PARAGRAPHS throughout the book, just insulting them.
I didn’t even read the last chapters because I didn’t want to put myself through this torture anymore. And still , it was pretty fucking obvious what happened.
Anyways, if you want to read this book, please, do not. Or do, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Honestly I don’t know why I decided to pick this book up but it has been the biggest mistake I’ve made this year. AND I GOT CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING I SHOULDN’T HAVE AND AM STILL TRYING TO WIN MY DAD’S TRUST AGAIN.
If you liked this, I’m not gonna judge but like, are you okay?
I hated these character SOOOO much.
I would literally write PARAGRAPHS throughout the book, just insulting them.
I didn’t even read the last chapters because I didn’t want to put myself through this torture anymore. And still , it was pretty fucking obvious what happened.
Anyways, if you want to read this book, please, do not. Or do, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
May 12, 2021
Alliance is my first book by Natalia and I am thrilled to say that I will be one-clicking this author from now on!!
The fmc Lana and Ignazio have incredible chemistry, it flows from the pages and hooks the reader into wanting more! If you want a bit of the forbidden romance, Alliance will feed this want! Lana is promised to another, and she has been forbidden to marry another, specifically someone like Ignazio. This forbidden decree does not stop them, it has them going full speed towards one another!
The fmc Lana and Ignazio have incredible chemistry, it flows from the pages and hooks the reader into wanting more! If you want a bit of the forbidden romance, Alliance will feed this want! Lana is promised to another, and she has been forbidden to marry another, specifically someone like Ignazio. This forbidden decree does not stop them, it has them going full speed towards one another!
May 4, 2021
Alliance
Meet Lana, this beautiful girl is in a arranged married man who she despises with good reason, one night she meets Ignazio and the attraction is apparant straight away.
The question is what will happen with them?
A great story by Natalia, I've not read her books before and was awed by this book straight away - addicted, fast paced and i couldnt put it down.
The spice scenes where hot.
A dark mafia romance that i loved, so angsty and emotional.
Meet Lana, this beautiful girl is in a arranged married man who she despises with good reason, one night she meets Ignazio and the attraction is apparant straight away.
The question is what will happen with them?
A great story by Natalia, I've not read her books before and was awed by this book straight away - addicted, fast paced and i couldnt put it down.
The spice scenes where hot.
A dark mafia romance that i loved, so angsty and emotional.
November 14, 2022
another solid four stars! a little fast paced, a little short, a little “basic” but still enjoyed! great light mafia read, and great age gap.
4/5⭐️
3.5/5🔥
4/5⭐️
3.5/5🔥
November 6, 2022
"𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆," 𝑰 𝒋𝒐𝒌𝒆.
𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒕. "𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥.5
Tropes: Forbidden relationship, mafia, mafia princess/mafia soldier, arranged marriage (not between the love interests)
Series: Sinners of New Orleans #1
Triggers: Violence, mentions of suicide, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and depression
*Please check triggers before reading*
This was a journey that I wasn't sure was going to have a HEA. I know the description said it would, but I was getting more nervous the closer I got to the end and the issue still hadn't been resolved. This is a great first start to the series and I'm intrigued about the next one. Honestly, I really want book four because I liked Sam a lot and I want to see his story.
This story follow Lana and Naz, a mafia princess and mafia soldier, forbidden to be together. Lana is part of the Costello Famiglia. She has done everything she's supposed to do, something that she thought would save her, yet it doesn't. She is viewed as nothing more than a bargaining chip for her parents to use in their lust for power. They don't care about her and the only two people that did have died, leaving her alone.
Naz is a mafia soldier. He is a dealer for the famiglia and is trying everything to earn his spot as a made man in the family. Naz is a drug dealer for the family, and although he hates what he does, he knows he has to do it to become made. Naz has more than just himself to take care of. He has a mom, sister, and nephew that he helps. He remembers growing up poor and doesn't want his family to live that life any longer.
Lana and Naz are never meant to be together. They meet during a tragedy for the Costello family, then meet again three years later at funeral of Lana's grandfather. From there, they meet at a bar by happenstance and spend the night together. Seems like no big issue, right? Wrong. The problem is that Lana is engaged to someone else. Someone that's mean, angry, and takes everything out on Lana. Naz and Lana want to be together, but forces from within her family make that impossible. They are a mafia version of Romeo and Juliet.
I felt so bad for Lana the whole time. She was clearly screaming for help and no one cared except for her cousins. Her mom is TRASH and if I could write myself in the story to fight her, I totally would. Lana tried to stand up for herself, but she was only met with pain in doing so. I wish she would've had more fight in her, but I also understand she was pretty much powerless. I enjoyed her connection with Naz a lot and was rooting for them the whole time.
My sweet Naz. I enjoyed Naz and only wanted good things for him. You could tell he was battling with himself at every turn because he wanted to help his family, but he didn't necessarily want to do illegal things to do so. I loved how much he cared about Lana, even if it almost got him killed several times. Naz made her feel safe when quite literally everyone else didn't, and it was so nice to see. I liked getting to see his lighthearted moments with her and his speech about always loving her no matter what was beautiful.
The reason this isn't a five star read for me is because part of the beginning confused me a little bit. It felt like I was thrown halfway into a story. I don't know if that's because of how things moved, or how it was written, but it threw me off a little bit. Also, I didn't get the Lana and Naz connection at first. They met twice and then they hook up, but there were intense feelings right away? It just threw me a bit, but once the story progressed and they were together more, I felt their connection.
The spice is okay in this novel. I expected it to be spicier given the forbidden aspect of the story. There's no denying that Lana and Naz have chemistry, I would've just preferred a little more out of those scenes. They did have my heart break a few times for them throughout the novel. I really was worried they weren't going to find a solution so they could get their HEA.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I look forward to seeing how the overarching plot plays out given there are so many players involved. I look forward to reading John's story!
𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒕. "𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥.5
Tropes: Forbidden relationship, mafia, mafia princess/mafia soldier, arranged marriage (not between the love interests)
Series: Sinners of New Orleans #1
Triggers: Violence, mentions of suicide, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and depression
*Please check triggers before reading*
This was a journey that I wasn't sure was going to have a HEA. I know the description said it would, but I was getting more nervous the closer I got to the end and the issue still hadn't been resolved. This is a great first start to the series and I'm intrigued about the next one. Honestly, I really want book four because I liked Sam a lot and I want to see his story.
This story follow Lana and Naz, a mafia princess and mafia soldier, forbidden to be together. Lana is part of the Costello Famiglia. She has done everything she's supposed to do, something that she thought would save her, yet it doesn't. She is viewed as nothing more than a bargaining chip for her parents to use in their lust for power. They don't care about her and the only two people that did have died, leaving her alone.
Naz is a mafia soldier. He is a dealer for the famiglia and is trying everything to earn his spot as a made man in the family. Naz is a drug dealer for the family, and although he hates what he does, he knows he has to do it to become made. Naz has more than just himself to take care of. He has a mom, sister, and nephew that he helps. He remembers growing up poor and doesn't want his family to live that life any longer.
Lana and Naz are never meant to be together. They meet during a tragedy for the Costello family, then meet again three years later at funeral of Lana's grandfather. From there, they meet at a bar by happenstance and spend the night together. Seems like no big issue, right? Wrong. The problem is that Lana is engaged to someone else. Someone that's mean, angry, and takes everything out on Lana. Naz and Lana want to be together, but forces from within her family make that impossible. They are a mafia version of Romeo and Juliet.
I felt so bad for Lana the whole time. She was clearly screaming for help and no one cared except for her cousins. Her mom is TRASH and if I could write myself in the story to fight her, I totally would. Lana tried to stand up for herself, but she was only met with pain in doing so. I wish she would've had more fight in her, but I also understand she was pretty much powerless. I enjoyed her connection with Naz a lot and was rooting for them the whole time.
My sweet Naz. I enjoyed Naz and only wanted good things for him. You could tell he was battling with himself at every turn because he wanted to help his family, but he didn't necessarily want to do illegal things to do so. I loved how much he cared about Lana, even if it almost got him killed several times. Naz made her feel safe when quite literally everyone else didn't, and it was so nice to see. I liked getting to see his lighthearted moments with her and his speech about always loving her no matter what was beautiful.
The reason this isn't a five star read for me is because part of the beginning confused me a little bit. It felt like I was thrown halfway into a story. I don't know if that's because of how things moved, or how it was written, but it threw me off a little bit. Also, I didn't get the Lana and Naz connection at first. They met twice and then they hook up, but there were intense feelings right away? It just threw me a bit, but once the story progressed and they were together more, I felt their connection.
The spice is okay in this novel. I expected it to be spicier given the forbidden aspect of the story. There's no denying that Lana and Naz have chemistry, I would've just preferred a little more out of those scenes. They did have my heart break a few times for them throughout the novel. I really was worried they weren't going to find a solution so they could get their HEA.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I look forward to seeing how the overarching plot plays out given there are so many players involved. I look forward to reading John's story!
June 6, 2021
CW//suicide, abuse, manipulation, drug use, drug overdose, attempted suicide
Mafia romance set in New Orleans. I picked this up after seeing the author promote it on IG.
This story follows Lana and Naz.
Lana is a mafia princess - her parents are related to the head of a NOLA mafia group. Her scheming parents want her to marry an asshat politician for clout and control. The guy is a grade-A douchcanoe from the word go. She's had a major trauma experience a few years prior to the start of this story and it really messed with her head. She sort of just goes along to get along in some cases. She's attending some college classes but doesn't seem interested.
Naz is a soldier for one of the NOLA Bosses. He likes the money and doesn't really think about the drugs at all. He can afford to help his mother, sister, and nephew so he'll keep doing what he's doing even if he knows he might never get made.
When Lana and Naz meet, you sort of wonder what the attraction is other than lust. Naz happened to be there the night of Lana's trauma event and she vaguely remembers him. He, of course, has been lusting after her since the moment he laid eyes on her. They come together because Lana wants to do something crazy and she knows sleeping with Naz is it. Things get out of control and it's a winding and sometimes lame spiral after that. The end you see coming from a distance off if you're paying attention to the clues. The wrap-up afterward, although a HEA, doesn't feel complete or satisfying. It's more sort of 'this is long enough so here's some good shit that happens.' I wasn't feeling it myself but others will have different thoughts.
I really wanted to like this book, a lot. I like mafia tie-in romances but this had so little mafia business in it- the business it did have was so easily explained in a single conversation that it had me question it. Maybe I'm too expectant?
The characters fell flat for me. Other readers may find them really well rounded or growth in them, I did not. Lana is sort of trapped between a rock and a hard place, but there were other options for her and even though her cousin has told her to hang in there and he's got something in the works, his involvement is more plot convenience than plot dynamic.
The sex was not what I would call spicy, at all. For new readers to the genre, sure. Not for me though. Overall, this was a decent enough book to read but I don't think I'll be heading back to this series or author soon.
I'd recommend this for newer romance readers who want to dabble in things that may seem 'dark' or are looking for easy mafia romances. There's a strong chance the series will improve in the next books or try checking out the authors' other books.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own. I read this using my personal KU subscription.**
Mafia romance set in New Orleans. I picked this up after seeing the author promote it on IG.
This story follows Lana and Naz.
Lana is a mafia princess - her parents are related to the head of a NOLA mafia group. Her scheming parents want her to marry an asshat politician for clout and control. The guy is a grade-A douchcanoe from the word go. She's had a major trauma experience a few years prior to the start of this story and it really messed with her head. She sort of just goes along to get along in some cases. She's attending some college classes but doesn't seem interested.
Naz is a soldier for one of the NOLA Bosses. He likes the money and doesn't really think about the drugs at all. He can afford to help his mother, sister, and nephew so he'll keep doing what he's doing even if he knows he might never get made.
When Lana and Naz meet, you sort of wonder what the attraction is other than lust. Naz happened to be there the night of Lana's trauma event and she vaguely remembers him. He, of course, has been lusting after her since the moment he laid eyes on her. They come together because Lana wants to do something crazy and she knows sleeping with Naz is it. Things get out of control and it's a winding and sometimes lame spiral after that. The end you see coming from a distance off if you're paying attention to the clues. The wrap-up afterward, although a HEA, doesn't feel complete or satisfying. It's more sort of 'this is long enough so here's some good shit that happens.' I wasn't feeling it myself but others will have different thoughts.
I really wanted to like this book, a lot. I like mafia tie-in romances but this had so little mafia business in it- the business it did have was so easily explained in a single conversation that it had me question it. Maybe I'm too expectant?
The characters fell flat for me. Other readers may find them really well rounded or growth in them, I did not. Lana is sort of trapped between a rock and a hard place, but there were other options for her and even though her cousin has told her to hang in there and he's got something in the works, his involvement is more plot convenience than plot dynamic.
The sex was not what I would call spicy, at all. For new readers to the genre, sure. Not for me though. Overall, this was a decent enough book to read but I don't think I'll be heading back to this series or author soon.
I'd recommend this for newer romance readers who want to dabble in things that may seem 'dark' or are looking for easy mafia romances. There's a strong chance the series will improve in the next books or try checking out the authors' other books.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own. I read this using my personal KU subscription.**
May 3, 2021
MY RATING: 2*
RELEASE DATE: 05 May 2021
CLIFFHANGER: No
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
This was my first book by this author, and I have to say, the book flowed nicely and made for an easy ready. However, while the premise of the story had potential, I have to say, the execution was a bit meh.
We meet Lana who 3 years ago witnessed something that marked the beginning of the end of her life the way she knew it. Borne to cold, uncaring, neglectful and cruel parents, she is on her own in more ways that one. While she continues to hope for her parents to notice her, she finally realized just how much of pipe dream that is when her parents force her to marry a man who abuses her and treats her like scum. She feels invisible. Everybody seems not to notice her; accept Naz.
Lana is mafia princess, so definitely out of his league but Naz can’t help how drawn he is to her. But what can he give her when he’s merely a foot soldier and not even a made man, and perhaps most importantly, she is engaged to another more powerful man.
Lana is weighed down by depression at the prospect of the life that awaits her, and her lifeline seems to only lead to Naz’s doorstep. But what will they do to end up together? How can he compete with the power her family yields, the power her fiancé yields in order to get his girl?
May 5, 2021
"So light and fire. Seems like we could burn this place down."
Alliance follows Lana and Naz who are a bit like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Lana is considered mafia royalty given her last name and is promised to someone who she doesn't want to marry. Naz, on the other hand, is someone who didn't come from the same 'lavish' lifestyle and is currently trying to work his way into the mafia officially for personal reasons, and is definitely considered below Lana's status.
"Power doesn't always come from being the loudest, the strongest, the one with most control. Sometimes, it comes from letting go."
Lana is how I imagine a lot of people in a similar sort of lifestyle to her are. "Maybe she does pay, her payment is simply different." On the outside it may seem like she has everything given her family's background and status. But on the inside, it's a lot of manipulation and controlling behaviour that leads to the gradual breakdown of a person's character, until eventually, they become two completely different people. One which they show the world and appears to have no deeper feelings, and another which is their true self who feels everything. "The wedding bears no resemblance to me. If my name wasn't on the invitation, I don't think anyone would even know it was mine."
Meanwhile Naz is someone who appears to be on the outside looking in. "Whoever said money can't buy happiness clearly had money." Naz and his family have had a tough time of it growing up, and he sees this as his way to make their lives easier. His relationship with his family is so sweet though, and I loved the little scenes of him an Anthony! "Sometimes, when she's mad, I'll give her a hug and tell her I'm sorry. Did you try that?" Although he's involved in some shady stuff, Naz actually seems like a really good guy and someone who will look after Lana like she deserves. "I think she might be worth saving. Or dying for."
I liked Lana and Naz together, they were steamy, yet sweet with each other from the get go. But I must admit, it was definitely Sam who stole the show for me! "Sam is the kind of made man who always looks like he's about to make a business deal." I can't wait to see more of him and what his character arc is going to be. Likewise, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where the little teaser, at the end, for John's book is going to go.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I liked all the main characters that we saw, who were Team Lana. However, I rated this 4* as I do wish we'd have gotten a longer book which could have allowed for a bit more development with certain plot points. For example, the aftermath within the LaFontaine and NO famiglia after Lana makes her decision at the end, and what happened with Sam and Junior.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
TW: This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics, including suicide. Please heed any trigger warnings the author might have stated.
Alliance follows Lana and Naz who are a bit like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Lana is considered mafia royalty given her last name and is promised to someone who she doesn't want to marry. Naz, on the other hand, is someone who didn't come from the same 'lavish' lifestyle and is currently trying to work his way into the mafia officially for personal reasons, and is definitely considered below Lana's status.
"Power doesn't always come from being the loudest, the strongest, the one with most control. Sometimes, it comes from letting go."
Lana is how I imagine a lot of people in a similar sort of lifestyle to her are. "Maybe she does pay, her payment is simply different." On the outside it may seem like she has everything given her family's background and status. But on the inside, it's a lot of manipulation and controlling behaviour that leads to the gradual breakdown of a person's character, until eventually, they become two completely different people. One which they show the world and appears to have no deeper feelings, and another which is their true self who feels everything. "The wedding bears no resemblance to me. If my name wasn't on the invitation, I don't think anyone would even know it was mine."
Meanwhile Naz is someone who appears to be on the outside looking in. "Whoever said money can't buy happiness clearly had money." Naz and his family have had a tough time of it growing up, and he sees this as his way to make their lives easier. His relationship with his family is so sweet though, and I loved the little scenes of him an Anthony! "Sometimes, when she's mad, I'll give her a hug and tell her I'm sorry. Did you try that?" Although he's involved in some shady stuff, Naz actually seems like a really good guy and someone who will look after Lana like she deserves. "I think she might be worth saving. Or dying for."
I liked Lana and Naz together, they were steamy, yet sweet with each other from the get go. But I must admit, it was definitely Sam who stole the show for me! "Sam is the kind of made man who always looks like he's about to make a business deal." I can't wait to see more of him and what his character arc is going to be. Likewise, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where the little teaser, at the end, for John's book is going to go.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I liked all the main characters that we saw, who were Team Lana. However, I rated this 4* as I do wish we'd have gotten a longer book which could have allowed for a bit more development with certain plot points. For example, the aftermath within the LaFontaine and NO famiglia after Lana makes her decision at the end, and what happened with Sam and Junior.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
TW: This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics, including suicide. Please heed any trigger warnings the author might have stated.
August 16, 2021
Rating: 3 stars
What I Liked: Nothing about this book was as I expected. I assumed from the description that the arranged marriage was about the main couple, but the man she’s engaged to is more or less the villain of the story, so that threw me a little bit. It was very readable and engaging, but at the same time, it also wasn’t an easy read. It is definitely a dark romance, but the darkness comes from how deeply it covers the heroine, Lana’s grief and depression. Parts of it were really hard to read. I felt so sorry and desperately sad for Lana and her situation, and the way that Davis, her fiance, and her parents treated her was tough to read.
The relationship between Lana and Naz, by contrast, was surprisingly soft and sweet. Naz was not what I expected. I liked that he wasn’t a made man, that he had no power in the situation, and that all he had to offer her, really, was a distraction from her misery. The way he treated Lana was sweet and touching, as he seemed so protective and caring over her. I wasn’t super keen on the angle of him being the only thing keeping her alive after a point, but I was just so pleased that she had somebody in her corner to rely on.
What I Didn’t: Some of the writing was a little melodramatic for my personal tastes.
Overall: This was a strange contrast. The plot surrounding her forced marriage, and her depression and grief and how those two intersected, was very grim and dark, whilst the actual romance element was quite sexy, soft, and sweet. I think this contrast was done well, but I can’t really say that I enjoyed reading it. It made me feel sad and pained, and some of the scenes involving her fiance were very unpleasant to read. My feelings on it are not mixed, however. I appreciate what the author was trying to do, and I think she did a good job at telling this story. But I’m not in a rush to read anything similar.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you’re looking for an introspective forbidden mafia romance, but check the content warnings and be wary that the book deals a lot with grief, depression, and intimate partner violence.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: I don’t think so.
Content Notes:
What I Liked: Nothing about this book was as I expected. I assumed from the description that the arranged marriage was about the main couple, but the man she’s engaged to is more or less the villain of the story, so that threw me a little bit. It was very readable and engaging, but at the same time, it also wasn’t an easy read. It is definitely a dark romance, but the darkness comes from how deeply it covers the heroine, Lana’s grief and depression. Parts of it were really hard to read. I felt so sorry and desperately sad for Lana and her situation, and the way that Davis, her fiance, and her parents treated her was tough to read.
The relationship between Lana and Naz, by contrast, was surprisingly soft and sweet. Naz was not what I expected. I liked that he wasn’t a made man, that he had no power in the situation, and that all he had to offer her, really, was a distraction from her misery. The way he treated Lana was sweet and touching, as he seemed so protective and caring over her. I wasn’t super keen on the angle of him being the only thing keeping her alive after a point, but I was just so pleased that she had somebody in her corner to rely on.
What I Didn’t: Some of the writing was a little melodramatic for my personal tastes.
Overall: This was a strange contrast. The plot surrounding her forced marriage, and her depression and grief and how those two intersected, was very grim and dark, whilst the actual romance element was quite sexy, soft, and sweet. I think this contrast was done well, but I can’t really say that I enjoyed reading it. It made me feel sad and pained, and some of the scenes involving her fiance were very unpleasant to read. My feelings on it are not mixed, however. I appreciate what the author was trying to do, and I think she did a good job at telling this story. But I’m not in a rush to read anything similar.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you’re looking for an introspective forbidden mafia romance, but check the content warnings and be wary that the book deals a lot with grief, depression, and intimate partner violence.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: I don’t think so.
Content Notes:
May 22, 2021
SPOILERS AHEAD!
If I had known from the beginning that this was an instant love story I would not read it at all. I found this author and the book on Instagram and wanted to give it a chance. The snippets and quotes from Alliance were promising and interesting, but it turned out completely different.
Some events were really fast paced like the romance between two main characters Lana and Naz, but then the others were painfully slow and sadly boring, lacking a lot.
Because I don't like leaving books unfinished I made myself read it till the end. I have to admit that I read some chapters half heartedly and didn't pay much attention. It felt very repetitive: Lana was always thinking about her sister and how depressed her current life makes her. Naz always thinks of his family and dirty money he's making and how bad he feels about it, but has no way of changing it since he's working for mafia - and he kinda low key likes it since it's good money and let him live comfortably. Then Lana and Naz are together and there's always sex involved in their interactions. Literally EVERY TIME they are together no matter the situation. Maybe except two scenes in the whole book. Unnecessary to say I completely didn't feel any chemistry between them.
At the beginning there's a lot unnecessary characters introduced and you loose the track on who's who and why. Lana's sister death is the turning point in Lana's life but at the same time it is left unexplained, the only thing we know is the assumption that she was not happy and abused by her family. The plot is lacking, there's a lot of repetitive information from Lana's and Naz life, but nothing that actually matters and adds to the general plot. You feel like you read the same thing over and over again which was disappointing and a little irritating, given all the missed opportunities.
The plot twist happens literally when you're 80% in the book and it's not even that good or big when you look at the big picture. By the time it happened I was thoroughly bored with the story and again nothing regarding that twist was explained.
On the day of the wedding Lana's told by her cousin to run and never come back only to receive the phone call 10 months later from the same cousin with line that says: it's time to come back home. Really???
I realize this is first book in the series but sadly I won't be reading this anymore. Huge disappointment and waste of time. Hope that the next books will be more successful for the author, good luck to her!
If I had known from the beginning that this was an instant love story I would not read it at all. I found this author and the book on Instagram and wanted to give it a chance. The snippets and quotes from Alliance were promising and interesting, but it turned out completely different.
Some events were really fast paced like the romance between two main characters Lana and Naz, but then the others were painfully slow and sadly boring, lacking a lot.
Because I don't like leaving books unfinished I made myself read it till the end. I have to admit that I read some chapters half heartedly and didn't pay much attention. It felt very repetitive: Lana was always thinking about her sister and how depressed her current life makes her. Naz always thinks of his family and dirty money he's making and how bad he feels about it, but has no way of changing it since he's working for mafia - and he kinda low key likes it since it's good money and let him live comfortably. Then Lana and Naz are together and there's always sex involved in their interactions. Literally EVERY TIME they are together no matter the situation. Maybe except two scenes in the whole book. Unnecessary to say I completely didn't feel any chemistry between them.
At the beginning there's a lot unnecessary characters introduced and you loose the track on who's who and why. Lana's sister death is the turning point in Lana's life but at the same time it is left unexplained, the only thing we know is the assumption that she was not happy and abused by her family. The plot is lacking, there's a lot of repetitive information from Lana's and Naz life, but nothing that actually matters and adds to the general plot. You feel like you read the same thing over and over again which was disappointing and a little irritating, given all the missed opportunities.
The plot twist happens literally when you're 80% in the book and it's not even that good or big when you look at the big picture. By the time it happened I was thoroughly bored with the story and again nothing regarding that twist was explained.
On the day of the wedding Lana's told by her cousin to run and never come back only to receive the phone call 10 months later from the same cousin with line that says: it's time to come back home. Really???
I realize this is first book in the series but sadly I won't be reading this anymore. Huge disappointment and waste of time. Hope that the next books will be more successful for the author, good luck to her!
May 5, 2021
I knew I had to read this book from the moment Natalia announced this new series! Once again, Natalia did not disappoint; I love her mafia romances.
This mafia romance was full of angst, drama, and forbidden romance. This book also touched a sensitive topic which was depression, but Natalia did it with so much care and sensitivity; I literally loved everything about this book.
Lana is a mafia princess, controlled by her parents; they have always ordered her what to do. A tragic event left her emotionally and mentally scarred; she's hurt, but no one around seems to care. Once again, her parents have decided her fate by arranging her marriage; Lana has lost all hope, but that changes the moment she meets Naz.
Naz is someone with a huge heart; he's willing to make any sacrifice for his family to keep them from going back to the poverty he suffered when younger; to provide for his family, he founds himself involved with the mafia of New Orleans. After meeting Lana, he will find himself in the middle of a family war between the Costello's, but he's willing to do whatever it takes to protect Lana.
I loved Lana & Naz together; they have a forbidden romance, but they couldn't resist being together; after all, playing with fire is always tempting. Lana was living a nightmare; she was depressed, in a constant battle with her own mind, Naz was able to show her the bright side, and without realising it, he was able to get her out of that black space. The only thing that kept Naz going was the greediness he felt for money; he was scared of struggling again, and he thought having money could equal happiness, but Lana was a great example of how wrong that is; Lana was able to show Naz that you can achieve happiness with little things in life, as long as you have the ones you love around.
I love this duo, and their love story made me ache. I highly recommended Alliance to those who love mafia romances. It has some trigger warnings, which are suicide, drug use, depression, and physical and emotional abuse; please have this in mind before reading.
May 5, 2021
**trigger warning suicide ideation, suicide, drug use, violence, physical and emotional abuse
I absolutely love Natalia Lourose's work! And, when I heard that she was planning to release a new book, in a brand new series, I knew I had to read it!! Natalia Lourose is definitely the queen of mafia romances!!!! Alliance is a mafia romance and book #1 in The Sinners of New Orleans series. Natalia Lourose sure does know how to begin a book! The prologue left me speechless!! From the very first page, you can feel the heroine, Lana's pain; her struggles to move on, after a tragedy struck right at the heart of her family. Natalia Lourose's writing technique is remarkable! She can successfully execute the strong emotions of tragedy and despair; depression and grief, and write it so beautifully. I felt the characters' emotions, especially Lana's while I was reading. Lana can be seen as a dutiful daughter; for most of her life, Lana did everything what her family expected from her. But at what cost? Her mental health is deteriorating and she is facing abuse from her fiancee. Lana is trapped, and she knows she can't escape it, no matter how desperately she wants to. But there is one place/person she finds solace in, Naz. Naz and Lana's shouldn't be together, yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. They both are aware of the risks; the consequences of their relationship. I devoured this book within 24 hours! Natalia Lourose's writing will do that to you, it will pull you into the story and you can't put it down! And the epilogue! Cannot wait for book #2
Three years later, Lana is battling with grief and depression. She is struggling to get through the pain and the only way to numb the pain, to forget about it for a little while is with consumption of alcohol. Naz has a habit at showing up when Lana is at her worst. When she is on the verge of a panic attack or heavy with grief. Naz is the only person who makes her feel alive, happy and Lana forgets about who she is; the duties that lay heavily on her shoulders.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
I absolutely love Natalia Lourose's work! And, when I heard that she was planning to release a new book, in a brand new series, I knew I had to read it!! Natalia Lourose is definitely the queen of mafia romances!!!! Alliance is a mafia romance and book #1 in The Sinners of New Orleans series. Natalia Lourose sure does know how to begin a book! The prologue left me speechless!! From the very first page, you can feel the heroine, Lana's pain; her struggles to move on, after a tragedy struck right at the heart of her family. Natalia Lourose's writing technique is remarkable! She can successfully execute the strong emotions of tragedy and despair; depression and grief, and write it so beautifully. I felt the characters' emotions, especially Lana's while I was reading. Lana can be seen as a dutiful daughter; for most of her life, Lana did everything what her family expected from her. But at what cost? Her mental health is deteriorating and she is facing abuse from her fiancee. Lana is trapped, and she knows she can't escape it, no matter how desperately she wants to. But there is one place/person she finds solace in, Naz. Naz and Lana's shouldn't be together, yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. They both are aware of the risks; the consequences of their relationship. I devoured this book within 24 hours! Natalia Lourose's writing will do that to you, it will pull you into the story and you can't put it down! And the epilogue! Cannot wait for book #2
Three years later, Lana is battling with grief and depression. She is struggling to get through the pain and the only way to numb the pain, to forget about it for a little while is with consumption of alcohol. Naz has a habit at showing up when Lana is at her worst. When she is on the verge of a panic attack or heavy with grief. Naz is the only person who makes her feel alive, happy and Lana forgets about who she is; the duties that lay heavily on her shoulders.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
February 2, 2022
A sinner met a saint, Two worlds collided, And everything burned.
Lana
I’ve done everything right.
Playing the part of the demure famiglia daughter,
And hiding my pain beneath makeup and pretty dresses.
But marrying a man ten years my senior?
Naz
I’ve done nothing right.
I’m not a virtuous man,
I balance on the line between light and dark.
My past is littered with sins
Alliance" is the first book in the Sinners of New Orleans series. It is a full length forbidden/arranged mafia romance with spicy scenes
Lana and Naz are from different worlds... A mafia princess and a mere soldier who works under one of Lana's cousin. They end up crossing paths and fall for each other. Slowly, Naz becomes her reason to live, giving her hope.
The Princess and the dealer. One pure as light, the other as dangerous as fire. Lana and Naz are forbidden to see one another, threatened with death.
Lana Romano is such a strong soul. She lost her sister to suicide and I can’t imagine her loss and what she must have gone through. Growing up with parents who don’t give a single fuck about you and just want to marry you off, I can’t appreciate her values enough. She stands up for what she believes in, she isn’t scared to speak her mind even if they end up hurting her for which I admire her a lot.
In a ruthless Mafia world of scheming, business deals, money and power, alliances must be made. The young women are bargaining chips and collateral damage in this merciless world. This is a tale of forbidden love - nothing taboo, but star-crossed. Lana is a Mafia princess and Naz is the soldier who couldn't have her. Despite being a princess, Lana was not spoiled or pampered. But she was groomed to be the "perfect" demure daughter and ultimately the perfect wife in a marriage to a man who would secure a powerful alliance for her family.
Naz is a soldier who came from a poor background and he saw the mob as an opportunity to provide a better life for his family. They are both tender-hearted, and feel morally obligated to fulfill roles they think they are expected to fill.
Vol 1 of Sinners of New Orleans
Lana
I’ve done everything right.
Playing the part of the demure famiglia daughter,
And hiding my pain beneath makeup and pretty dresses.
But marrying a man ten years my senior?
Naz
I’ve done nothing right.
I’m not a virtuous man,
I balance on the line between light and dark.
My past is littered with sins
Alliance" is the first book in the Sinners of New Orleans series. It is a full length forbidden/arranged mafia romance with spicy scenes
Lana and Naz are from different worlds... A mafia princess and a mere soldier who works under one of Lana's cousin. They end up crossing paths and fall for each other. Slowly, Naz becomes her reason to live, giving her hope.
The Princess and the dealer. One pure as light, the other as dangerous as fire. Lana and Naz are forbidden to see one another, threatened with death.
Lana Romano is such a strong soul. She lost her sister to suicide and I can’t imagine her loss and what she must have gone through. Growing up with parents who don’t give a single fuck about you and just want to marry you off, I can’t appreciate her values enough. She stands up for what she believes in, she isn’t scared to speak her mind even if they end up hurting her for which I admire her a lot.
In a ruthless Mafia world of scheming, business deals, money and power, alliances must be made. The young women are bargaining chips and collateral damage in this merciless world. This is a tale of forbidden love - nothing taboo, but star-crossed. Lana is a Mafia princess and Naz is the soldier who couldn't have her. Despite being a princess, Lana was not spoiled or pampered. But she was groomed to be the "perfect" demure daughter and ultimately the perfect wife in a marriage to a man who would secure a powerful alliance for her family.
Naz is a soldier who came from a poor background and he saw the mob as an opportunity to provide a better life for his family. They are both tender-hearted, and feel morally obligated to fulfill roles they think they are expected to fill.
Vol 1 of Sinners of New Orleans
May 5, 2021
Ahh what have you got me into Natalia 😭
This is unacceptable...you got me hanging 🤣
This is the most emotional and angst read ever but with so much burning passion and devotion!
Two love interests; Lana and Naz, different lives and background yet they share the same feelings including their hot insta chemistry is on fire!
Lana has alot going on, a very heavy baggage on her shoulder that it makes her want to snap and end it all but she holds on...for Naz and eventually for herself in the long run.
Naz is very devoted and loyal to a default. Willing to do anything to keep those he loves happy and has everything...even with the cost of what he has to do and go through. He too has some baggage on himself but he's a made man...🙊
Besides loving these two forbidden Romeo and Juliet love story, I love learning about La Familiga mafia world! It's so dark, broody and brutal. Alot of risk but family is everything, depending on who you're referring to.
Lana's character made my heart twinge so much, I truly felt her pain and feelings of what she was going through; empathic of/for her. 🥺 Her story was very hard hitting and close to home for me that I wanted to be her best friend like Madi!
The suspenses were thrilling (can't tell you how many times my jaw dropped or oh my god moments 😱😮) as much as the whole can't have you but I'm still going to see you in secret trope! I was rooting for a good light for these two and I'm looking forward to where this is heading into Natalia! 🙌🏼
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Suicide, Drinking
I received this digital arc copy for an honest review! Thank you so much for this opportunity! 🖤
This is unacceptable...you got me hanging 🤣
This is the most emotional and angst read ever but with so much burning passion and devotion!
Two love interests; Lana and Naz, different lives and background yet they share the same feelings including their hot insta chemistry is on fire!
Lana has alot going on, a very heavy baggage on her shoulder that it makes her want to snap and end it all but she holds on...for Naz and eventually for herself in the long run.
Naz is very devoted and loyal to a default. Willing to do anything to keep those he loves happy and has everything...even with the cost of what he has to do and go through. He too has some baggage on himself but he's a made man...🙊
Besides loving these two forbidden Romeo and Juliet love story, I love learning about La Familiga mafia world! It's so dark, broody and brutal. Alot of risk but family is everything, depending on who you're referring to.
Lana's character made my heart twinge so much, I truly felt her pain and feelings of what she was going through; empathic of/for her. 🥺 Her story was very hard hitting and close to home for me that I wanted to be her best friend like Madi!
The suspenses were thrilling (can't tell you how many times my jaw dropped or oh my god moments 😱😮) as much as the whole can't have you but I'm still going to see you in secret trope! I was rooting for a good light for these two and I'm looking forward to where this is heading into Natalia! 🙌🏼
Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Suicide, Drinking
I received this digital arc copy for an honest review! Thank you so much for this opportunity! 🖤
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